Poly the one-eyed penguin bounces back after second surgery
Posted 20 Jan 2026 in Edinburgh Zoo
Poly, the one-eyed Northern rockhopper penguin, has made a full recovery after a second operation on her eye socket. Vets from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) worked with ophthalmology specialists from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies to treat a serious infection in Poly’s eye socket.
The wildlife conservation charity fitted Poly with a modified recovery suit, which is normally used for cats, to allow fluid to drain while she healed. With the drain removed, she moved back in with the colony at Penguins Rock, just in time for the January snow (and to celebrate Penguin Awareness Day!).
RZSS vets at the zoo will continue to keep an eye on Poly while gradually reducing her medication.
Poly hatched in April 2025. When still a chick, the vets discovered an infected injury to her eye during a routine check-up. After the infection did not respond to medication, our expert veterinary team moved forward with surgery to remove the afflicted eye. You can read the full story in our blog.
